Jan 29 CS EXCLUSIVE | Boys Get Hurt

Tokyo born-and-based DJ / producer Boys Get Hurt has long been a favorite of ours here at Caveman Sound, and if you aren't familiar already, one listen will tell you exactly why. Aside from gifting us with an impressively prolific output over the past couple of years, he never fails to bring a consistent, recognizable quality to his productions, always brimming with a feel-good style that will instantly elevate your mood. And not to mention how well our tastes align, just take a look at that track list below.

Needless to say, we're excited to have had the chance to get together with our Japanese counterpart recently, and bring you a fresh new mix and interview feature. Pop that mixtape on and get to know BGH a bit more personally.

Caveman Sound: Before we get going, tell us about the mix you’ve put together.

Boys Get Hurt: I always imagine the story with making mixtape — thought this could warm up your cold winter by remembering summer sunshine. I mixed my latest favorite songs, my own tracks & some of my friends (maybe your [posts] too).

CS: We’ve been jamming to your originals and remixes for a couple of years now, how did you get started as a DJ and producer?

BGH: Once I did a kind of ‘Dance Rock’ band, but I felt wrong because I couldn’t be satisfied about music that I created. So I started DTM and a new project with good skill DJ (ex. member Takumi) to make more personal music — I didn't have DJ equipment still.

When I saw Richie Hawtin in 2008 at Fujirock Festival, it was impressive and made me want to play as DJ.

CS: Your tracks tend to lean towards Nu Disco and Indie Dance styles, what is it about this sound that appeals to you?

BGH: 'Boys Get Hurt' was started by the concept of indie rock feeling mixed with disco & house. I like it because these are sensitive and makes me feel good whenever.

Btw I used to use some R&B because it reminds me my childhood summer vacation in Hawaii. Maybe I heard it from the car stereo.

CS: We know very little about the dance music scene in Tokyo — can you describe your experience of it for us?

BGH: It's complicated and annoying for me. Maybe EDM is the biggest movement right now. There are so many music scenes but it’s hard to find producers like me.

I have my party called 'Summer House'. It's the first party to ever focus on 'Indie Dance/Nu Disco' in Tokyo. In past we booked 'Cassian' & 'Good Night Keaton (MIAMI HORROR/Wunder Wunder)', but it is always so hard to invite many people.

Now I stop throwing the party, and hopefully can get booked by good organizers. Last year I had chance to play with Blue Hawaii, Blackbird Blackbird, Alex Metric, Yuksek, Kitsune etc. It was exciting, but still it’s small scene and I am kind of underground DJ.

CS: Speaking of, you’ve played a number of Kitsuné shows, a great match in our opinion, how did that relationship come about?

BGH: Since March of 2014, Japanese agent of 'kitsune' found my music and now always book me with them. Last summer I played with them at main floor of Ageha (biggest club in Tokyo). It was quite amazing.

CS: Let’s talk about VLS, your artist collective in Japan. Can you tell us about the concept behind it?

BGH: 'VLS' means villas. It started from 2012. The concept is 'never talk, relax'. Release, Produce music and events around Nu Disco, Indie Dance, whatever I think is feel-good around me.

We started as label when I met ‘give me wallets’. Our releases are not constantly but have released many good independent artists all over the world. Please check out our Soundcloud and Tumblr. We are very quiet, but somehow VLS Soundcloud has 70k followers.

BGH: East Side Tokyo & Hawaii — Tropical mind in the city or city mind in tropical.

CS: What else do you have planned for this year?

BGH: I’m producing the first EP of ‘Soleil Soleil’. We will release it soon by VLS. Last year my chilly vibe tracks like ‘Elegance' and 'Sand In Hand’ were pushed. So this year I wanna keep those vibes into uplifting house tracks. I want to do touring. Keep drinking coffee everyday.

Massive thanks to Yuki, aka Boys Get Hurt, for chatting with us! Check him out on social below if you're not already connected.